Nearly 20 million people in Sudan are suffering from famine.

Omissions

• The ~20 million figure refers to IPC Phase 3+ (crisis or worse) acute food insecurity, not to famine (IPC Phase 5), which per the February 2026 IPC analysis covered only about 135,000 people (Catastrophe classification).
• Estimates vary by season: IPC recorded 21.2 million (45% of the population) at the September 2025 lean-season peak and projected 19.1 million for February–May 2026; WFP cited almost 19.5 million.
• Famine conditions (IPC Phase 5) had been confirmed in specific locations such as Zamzam camp and other areas, with multiple areas at risk of famine, which is the context that makes the loose use of 'Hungersnot' understandable.

Sources

• PrimaryIPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) — Sudan analysisIn September 2025, at the peak of the lean season, an estimated 21.2 million people—45 percent of the population—faced high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above). During the post-harvest and pre-lean season (February–May 2026), acute food insecurity is projected to worsen with an estimated 19.1 million people (41%).
• SecondaryUN NewsNearly 20 million people across Sudan are facing acute hunger and more than 800,000 children risk severe malnutrition this year, UN agencies warned.
• SecondaryWorld Food Programme (WFP) — Sudan emergencyAlmost 19.5 million people face crisis levels of hunger, with some already in catastrophic conditions, and multiple areas at risk of famine.
• SecondaryUNICEF press releaseRisk of Famine persists as nearly 19.5 million people face acute food insecurity in Sudan. Conflict, displacement and restricted humanitarian access leave more than 825,000 children at risk of death from severe malnutrition in 2026.
• SecondaryReliefWeb — IPC Acute Food Insecurity Analysis, February 2026This includes 135,000 people classified in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe), characterised by extreme food gaps, starvation, very high levels of acute malnutrition.
• SecondaryAl JazeeraAcute hunger grips nearly 20 million people in war-battered Sudan, says IPC.
• SecondaryAction contre la FaimNearly 20 million people are facing high levels of acute food insecurity. It is estimated that this year, 825,000 children will suffer from severe acute malnutrition, a condition carrying a real risk of death.